Do Conclusions Derived From Animal Experiments Apply To Humans?
As to the applicability of animal experiments to man, over a century of research has demonstrated their ability to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for numerous clinical disorders. When it comes to mind/body relationships it is true that the human neocortex is more advanced than in other animals, although dolphins do come close. However the myriad involuntary and immediate responses to stress originate in the limbic system, hypothalamus and other paleocortical structures that comprise what has been called the “emotional brain”. This phylogenetically ancient but integrated system activates autonomic nervous system and humoral pathways that have been exquisitely honed over millions of years of evolution to insure survival. These routes and responses, which are the same in mammals from mouse to man, differ from those activated by neocortical cognitive processes. An excellent illustration of this relevance can be found in the superb studies of Jim Henry and coworkers in “microsocieties
